9 Best Futons for Every Type of Small Space

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You might not associate futons with being particularly glamorous, but they have several practical uses for all kinds of living spaces. For apartment dwellers, they offer the functionality of a comfortable sofa without all the unnecessary bulk. This also makes them easier to transport for those who rent or move frequently. On the other hand, those who live in large houses can use them to furnish basements, bedrooms, children’s playrooms, and other spaces susceptible to wear and tear, as well as a sleeping spot for overnight guests. Regardless of how you utilize them, the best futons can become a substantial upgrade for your home.

There are a wide range of high-quality futon options available to suit whatever your needs and budget may be. On the more affordable end, there are minimalist pieces selling for under $150 that more than do the trick (and are a mere fraction of the cost of trendier couch options). If price is less of a concern, there are also handcrafted, fully-customizable futons that will rival high-end couches in terms of comfort level and aesthetic. If looking for options somewhere in the middle, you can have fun exploring the different features available, including cup holders, USB charging ports, and removable slip covers.

We’ve rounded up the best futons of 2023, based on hundreds of online reviews, as well as the expert advice of Paulina DuPain, Designer at Modern Interior Design by Uploft. Keep scrolling for her professional tips and tricks to guide your futon shopping as well.

Shasta Roll Arm Upholstered Storage Futon

This "grown up" futon comes in countless fabrics, colors, and performance features so you can customize it to fit your exact needs. The built-in mattress contains high-tech foam, and there's a space for storage underneath, making it the ideal addition to smaller rooms and busy households alike.

Length: 91" | Width: 37" | Height: 34" | Fabrics: Weave, Velvet, Linen, Chenille, Boucle | Colors: 35

Studio Futon

Don't let the low price point fool you — this futon is a quality investment piece. Many customers bought several for their homes, and one reviewer summed it up by saying it's a "Great futon for the money. Made very well, and put together in less than 10 minutes. Perfect size for kids' room, guest room, teenagers. Worth the money."

Length: 66" | Width: 37.4" | Height: 14.3" | Fabric: Linen | Colors: 1

Wollano Vegan Leather Split Back Convertible Sofa

The modular construction of this futon not only makes assembly a breeze, but it also adds functionality since the two pieces can operate independently to adjust for different reclining styles. With its comfy memory foam and polished aesthetic, this piece offers a great deal of value for under $300.

Length: 70.5" | Width: 33" | Height: 29" | Fabric: Faux Leather | Colors: 3

Albany Sleeper Sofa

Living in a tiny apartment doesn't mean you can't have a chic and functional sitting space. This quality sleeper sofa looks beautiful, is super cozy, and arrives in easy-to-move boxes designed to maneuver through stairwells and tight hallways.

Length: 87.4" | Width: 31.5" | Height: 35.5" | Fabrics: Vegan Leather, Velvet | Colors: 5

Bristol Sleeper Futon

DuPain calls this futon a "great choice for easy upkeep, busy households, and guest rooms" thanks to its performance fabric. She also loves the versatility of the design since "the contemporary aesthetic and clean lines will work well in many homes."

Length: 82" | Width: 37" | Height: 34.3" | Fabrics: Modern Felt, Plush Velvet | Colors: 4

Tallulah Memory Foam Futon

This affordable futon ships quickly through Amazon Prime and has nearly 1,800 5-star reviews praising its comfort and value. One customer wrote that "Delivery was good for me, they just dropped it off on my porch and were super nice," and "For the price, I couldn’t have asked for more. It’ll probably last until I choose to retire it. It still looks like the day I bought it after me sleeping on it for 2 months and 2 years of dog use."

Length: 83"| Width: 33.5" | Height: 32.5" | Fabric: Velvet | Colors: 6

Harmony Modular Full Futon Sleeper

West Elm's Harmony collection is popular for its sleek aesthetic and unbeatable comfort. As DuPain puts it, it's "easy to unfold and on the eyes!" She highly recommends this futon sleeper which doubles as a sofa by day and a full-size bed at night, and is designed to easily convert between the two.

Length: 94.5" | Width: 40.5" | Height: 25.2" | Fabrics: Weave, Velvet, Linen, Chenille, Twill, Canvas, Boucle | Colors: 48

Emily Convertible Tufted Futon Sofa

This DHP futon has nearly 1,500 5-star reviews from customers who agree that it's a steal considering how stylish it is. One happy reviewer wrote, "I can't believe [what] I paid…for this gorgeous sleeper sofa. It's chic, cool and came within 3 days of purchasing. Easy to put together, it's one of my favorite new purchases in the house."

Length: 71" | Width: 34" | Height: 32" | Fabric: Faux Leather | Colors: 10

Serta Misa Convertible Futon With Power and USB Ports

For a futon that comes with all the bells and whistles, look no further. This one features a drop-down middle console with cupholders, integrated power outlets and USB ports, a reclining back rest, and memory foam cushions for maximum comfort.

Length: 70.9" | Width: 34.3" | Height: 31.5" | Fabric: Polyester | Colors: 2

What to look for when shopping for a futon

When shopping for futons, DuPain looks especially for options that feature performance fabrics. One reason for this is that performance fabric is more durable and easier to clean than other materials, which makes upkeep less of a hassle. Additionally, since performance fabric is stain-resistant, it creates peace of mind for her and for the company she hosts. She explains that with performance fabrics, her guests “can feel relaxed, even if they spill a cup of joe.”

What should I know before starting to shop for futons?

Especially if you’re furnishing a small apartment, bedroom, or dorm room, it’s important to consider the size of the space before you start shopping. You’ll want to have the dimensions of the room handy, as well as the sizes of the other pieces of furniture that need to fit.

Once you begin shopping, DuPain recommends considering the dimensions of the futon when it’s upright, as well as when it’s fully open. She says that this will “ensure you have enough space for other pieces of furniture and moving around in the space.”

How can I ensure my futon is comfortable?

If possible, DuPain recommends a trip to a brick-and-mortar store to test out futons. In person, you can “try it out, see how the mechanism works, and if it is comfortable to sit and sleep on.” Alternatively, if you opt to shop at an online-only store, she advises shoppers “to read reviews and order fabric samples” to get a feel for the quality.

For additional security, Paula shares that, “I always have a mattress topper that I add on top of the futon to make it even more comfortable.” Especially if you’re on a budget, mattress toppers are a quick and affordable method for making even the most minimal futons feel luxurious.

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